Jul 28, 2026
RENO, Nev. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has selected Army veteran Colin Anderson as its 2025-2026 John A. Biedrzycki Accredited Service Representative of the Year. The annual honor is presented to a VFW Accredited Service Officer whose dedication, leadership and advocacy have made an extraordinary impact on veterans and their families. Anderson received the award today during the VFW's 127th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.
"Colin Anderson's commitment to veterans is evident in every aspect of his work," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "Colin has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of veterans and their families. His accomplishments reflect the very best of the VFW's National Veterans Service program and we are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor."
As director of Veterans Service for the Department of New York, Anderson oversees the Department’s service officer program across Albany, Buffalo and New York City while leading initiatives that have significantly expanded access to VA benefits and services. Under his leadership, the Department of New York partnered with the New York City Department of Veterans Services to establish the Vallone Veterans Initiative, an effort that dramatically increased the availability of accredited service officers for New York City veterans. He also spearheaded an expansion of the program that more than doubled the number of VFW Accredited Service Officers serving the city and laid the groundwork to assist more than 200,000 underserved veterans.
Beyond expanding services, his leadership has contributed to a substantial increase in claims filed on behalf of New York veterans while helping secure millions of dollars in benefits for veterans and their families. Anderson also played a key role in developing legislation supporting New York's 100% property tax exemption for qualifying service-connected disabled veterans. His efforts exemplify the VFW's mission of ensuring no veteran navigates the benefits system alone.
Anderson is a Bronze Legacy Life member at John W. Tiffany VFW Post 53 in Jamestown, New York.